It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to the companions, "Are you unable to recite one third of the Qur'an in a single night?" This seemed very difficult to the companions and they said, "Who will have the strength to do that?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Recite Surah Ikhlas, for it is equal to one third of the Qur'an."